The apple trees around Athens are a beautiful sight, when they are flower in the spring, but it is in the summer fall when they really come into their own, as the trees bow with their heavy crop of apples. Different varieties are grown in the region and so people can choose, depending on their taste their own favourite. The real fun of the area, is to pick your own, and to sample as you do so.

Auburn - visit the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art opened in 2003. It hosts 2 major collections of contemporary American Art, along with a series of visiting collections, that offer interesting alternatives to visitors. There is also an amazing hand blown three tier chandelier in the reception area, that, unusually is lit from the outside. There is also an excellent restaurant here, that serves lunch time meals on Tuesdays to Fridays.

Bessemer - make a splash at the Alabama Adventure

A trip to the Alabama Adventure gives you a choice of two very different theme parks side by side. One of them is a water park with great flume rides, plunges and gentle winding rivers, whilst the other has all the thrills of a theme park with heart stopping rides and all the delights for an adrenalin junky. Both of the parks offer an excellent day out for the family and are great value and fun.

Birmingham - go and see the Statue of Liberty Replica

The Statue of Liberty in Birmingham, is the largest statue replica, in the US. It is larger, than the original model that is in France. Unlike the statue in New York, the flame in this statue is real and uses natural gas from the region. Itis rumoured to only have been extinguished twice in its history, and is very visible at night time.

Birmingham - see the great views from the Vulcan the Iron Man

Standing 56 foot high, towering over the city of Birmingham, is the unusual statue of Vulcan, the Roman God’s Blacksmith. It was built for the 1904 St Louis World Fair, and at the time was the largest bronze statue in the world. Nowadays it now stands on a 12 story sandstone tower, and a trip to the top of the tower offers great views over the area. There is also an adjacent museum, that explains and shows, the history behind its manufacture.

Cullman - explore the Ave Maria Grotto

Normally to see historical churches you would need to travel to the various countries they are situated, but in Cullman it is possible to see over 100 of them in miniature, all built from marble. They are all sited in Ave Maria Grotto. This beautiful grotto is the work of one man, and took over 40 years to complete. It is located in the grounds of Alabama’s only Benedictine Abbey. All of the detailed, fine models are in great condition, which is surprising, since they are all, well over 50 years old.

Mobile - experience the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception

The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception was consecrated in 1850, and took about 15 years to construct. It's beautiful Greek columns provide an imposing sight when you first arrive. The interior is a beautiful mix of ancient and modern architecture, and has magnificent statues and gilding. Its open layout is airy and refreshing and offers a chance to relax and contemplate the world. The cathedral always has a busy calendar of events and a Mass is held here, every Sunday.

Mobile - visit the Convent of the Visitation

The first buildings of the Convent of the Visitation were completed in 1833. Children have been educated here ever since, despite the convant having its share of tragedies and disasters over the years. A series of renovations in the 1980’s restored the building to its original condition, and it is well worth condsidering visiting. Be sure to try the chocolate covered marshmallows, that are produced in the convent, and are a source of income for the nuns.

Montgomery - explore the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church

The Dexter Avenue Baptist Church has two claims to fame. It was the founding home of the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955-56, which lead to the de segregation of busses a number of years later, and secondly one of its Ministers was Martin Luther King Jr. The church is still a working place of worship, but offers public tours, around the building on Mondays to Saturdays.

Montgomery - see beautiful architecture at the Alabama State Capitol

Montgomery was once the capital of the Confederacy, and was the location where the 6 founding states met to secede from the Union. Its beautiful architecture from the original Governors, House of Representatives and the Senate buildings. Much of the architecture is Greek in style and has been well restored fairly recently. Enjoyable and informative tours are nornally held Mondays to Fridays

Introduction of Alabama

The American state of Alabama is in the country's southeast. It borders the other states of Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee. Around five million people live in Alabama. Alabama hotels wear their state pride very obviously and the 'Dixie' motif is very common here since the state is colloquially known as the 'Heart of Dixie'. Some hotels in this sate are truly atmospheric places that hark back to a bygone era with grandeur or family style familiarity available for those who would like it. Other hotels are the standard motel chains that dot the freeway systems of the United States and these places offer very comfortable and basic accommodations with private bathrooms and air conditioning. The deep south cooking is delicious and a lot of places will have on site dining options and this is a convenient option for any person or group that is just passing through Alabama on a wider tour of the region.